Artwork by Ed Nolde, Artist & Sierra Club Maine Volunteer
October 2023
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Maine Chapter Welcomes New Director
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Sierra Club Maine is thrilled to announce our new Chapter Director, Pete Nichols!
Pete is a Maine native who has served as the Executive Director of Edgecomb-based Midcoast Conservancy since 2021. Prior to that, he worked as the International Organizing Director for Waterkeeper Alliance, an international network of 350 clean water advocates in 46 countries around the globe. Pete also co-founded his own Waterkeeper program, Humboldt Baykeeper, where he served as Baykeeper and Executive Director.
Sue Levene, our Volunteer Chair, shares that Pete “brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our Chapter Director role and we are looking forward to growing our impact and ability to advocate for environment and climate justice with his leadership and enthusiasm.”
“I am excited to join this impactful team with the Maine Chapter of Sierra Club”, Pete said. “We are at a critical time for Maine’s environment and I look forward to working with the communities around the state to address the impacts of climate change, protect our wildlands and waters, and support legislation and policies to safeguard our environment for generations to come.”
Pete has always been a committed advocate for the environment. For nearly 30 years, he has worked to protect the world’s waters and wildlands from the redwood forests of northern California, to the majestic Tigris River in Iraq, and the shores of Lake Victoria in Kenya. Pete obtained a B.S in Conservation Biology from Humboldt State University in northern California.
Please join us in giving Pete a warm welcome! Read our official statement on his arrival here.
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Make Energy Democracy and
a Consumer Owned Utility Reality for Maine!
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Sierra Club has officially endorsed Question 3 on this November’s ballot, which would replace the state’s two profit-driven, investor-owned utilities with Pine Tree Power, a non-profit utility owned by consumers, not billionaire shareholders. If Question 3 passes, Maine voters will elect a board of Mainers to run the utility company and foster a clean energy future. Check out the official statement and response from Sierra Club president Ben Jealous here!
We need your help to pass Question 3! Check out opportunities to volunteer and support the Pine Tree Power campaign below.
Ways to volunteer
Share your support with friends and on social media!
Questions about the initiative? Join the campaign's Tuesday night education Zoom calls to learn what Pine Tree Power would look like. Feel free to invite your friends!
Questions about getting involved? Is there a way that you'd like to help that you haven't seen? Please reach out to ania.wright@sierraclub.org or an organizer below.
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If you live in Cumberland or York county: Scott Dresser at scott@ourpowermaine.org
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If you live in Androscoggin, Kennebec, Sagadahoc, Oxford, Franklin, Knox, Lincoln, or Waldo: Zach Birger at zach@ourpowermaine.org
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If you live in Piscataquis, Penobscot, Aroostook, Washington, or Hancock: lucy@ourpowermaine.org
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2023 Ballot Initiative Voter Guide
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Voting this November will be critical to our energy future, our democracy, and for justice. There are eight questions on the state ballot, and Sierra Club Maine has taken an official position on five of them (see more below). Don’t forget to vote in person on November 7th - or request your absentee ballot to vote early by visiting VoteByMail.me!
VOTE NO ON QUESTION 1 - Do you want to bar some quasi-governmental entities and all consumer-owned electric utilities from taking on more than $1 billion in debt unless they get statewide voter approval? Question 1 was written to stall consumer owned utilities, should Question 3 pass. It will slow progress and create more opportunity for misinformation.
VOTE YES ON QUESTION 2 - Do you want to ban foreign governments and entities that they own, control, or influence from making campaign contributions or financing communications for or against candidates or ballot questions? We believe that political campaigns should be run by and for the people, not by corporations or the wealthy. Question 2 will ensure that future initiatives and politicians will be accountable to Maine people. Learn more and get involved here.
VOTE YES ON QUESTION 3 - Do you want to create a new power company governed by an elected board to acquire and operate existing for-profit electricity transmission and distribution facilities in Maine? Sierra Club has endorsed Question 3.
View the rest of our voter guide here.
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Photo by Megan Steele Photography
Save the Date for Sierra Club Maine's
2023 Annual Celebration!
Wednesday, December 6th | 5:30pm | Oxbow Blending & Bottling, Portland |
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This year, Sierra Club Maine is partnering with Maine Youth for Climate Justice (MYCJ) and the Wabanaki Alliance for our Annual Celebration. MYCJ is a youth-led coalition of Mainers working to bring climate justice to our state. The Wabanaki Alliance is a nonprofit organization that is working towards securing sovereignty of the tribes in Maine. Our full event itinerary is still in the works, but we can guarantee that it will be a fun night. Best of all, the proceeds raised from this event will be divided equally between Sierra Club Maine, MYCJ, and the Wabanaki Alliance because we're all in this together.
Space will be limited! Stay updated and secure your ticket soon via our webpage here. We look forward to celebrating with you on December 6th at 5:30pm!
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Redefining Conservation:
Sierra Club Maine's New Educational Podcast
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Sierra Club Maine’s 30x30 team is excited to launch a new educational podcast called Redefining Conservation. The podcast dives into our mission of preserving 30% of Maine's land, water, and forestry by 2030, its impact on Maine, and the innovative strategies behind it. Redefining Conservation also gives us the opportunity to explore the intersection between conservation and other forms of social justice. We are planning on interviewing multiple key stakeholders, community organizers, and movement builders who will be part of creating our shared conservation future in Maine. Our 30x30 team
is planning to release our episodes at the beginning of October, so look out for those and be sure to tune in to stay informed, inspired, and engaged as we redefine conservation in Maine.
As part of our 30x30 work, we are partnering with American Farmland Trust and Maine Farmland Trust on a webinar called ‘Visioning a Resilient Future: The role of farmland protection in reaching Maine’s climate goals’ on October 11 at 1pm. Matt Cannon, our State Conservation & Energy Director, will facilitate a vibrant conversation on this important topic. RSVP here.
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Meet Sierra Club Maine's
30x30 Campaign Planning Intern, Grace Deng
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As a campaign intern, I had the opportunity to be a part of a passionate and dedicated team working towards environmental sustainability. From day one, I was immersed in the organization's mission, gaining a deep understanding of the pressing issues our planet faces and the strategies employed to address them...
My first couple weeks I immersed myself in the work, learning the necessary terms, policies, and current environmental events going on in the country... As I grew more comfortable in my position, I began understanding more about the work. I participated in larger team meetings, where I had the opportunity to engage with the broader team and other like-minded individuals and raise awareness about our campaign. These experiences not only honed my skills in writing but also reinforced my passion for environmental activism.
Throughout my internship, I actively contributed to the development of campaign materials, including educational resources, power mapping, and centering BIPOC voices. I learned how to effectively communicate our message to different audiences, tailoring it to resonate with diverse stakeholders. This hands-on experience strengthened my writing skills and improved my ability to craft compelling narratives.
I continue reflecting on the progress I made during my time at Sierra Club Maine. Not only did I enhance my knowledge of environmental issues, but I also developed practical skills in research, communication, and campaign management. This work continues to grow my inspiration and motivation to continue advocating for a greener and more sustainable future.
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Finished crawlspace, photo by David Gibson
Green Tip of the Month:
10 Steps to a Zero-Emissions Home
By David Gibson, Sierra Club Maine Executive Committee Member,
Director of Energy at College of the Atlantic, and Building Performance Association Member
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With new federal tax credits and enhanced rebates from Efficiency Maine, there is more funding than ever before for home energy improvements. David Gibson has developed a 10-step process to transition homes entirely off of fossil fuels:
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EPA WaterSense showerheads: Energy savings of 5-10%
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A 1.5GPM showerhead uses 40% less water and thus 40% less energy to heat the water.
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A typical family will save 10,000 gallons/year of hot water with low-flow showerheads.
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LED light bulbs: Energy savings of 5-10%
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LEDs use 85% less energy than incandescent bulbs, and reduce monthly energy costs by $20-30 for an average home.
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Window Dressers: Energy savings of 5-10%
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Insulated window inserts improve indoor comfort and energy efficiency for less than 1/10th the cost of replacing windows.
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Heat pump water heater (HPWH): Energy savings of 10-20%
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Use 70% less energy than a standard electric water heater.
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Significant rebates available through Efficiency Maine that increase their affordability.
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Side benefit of helping dehumidify the space they’re in, like a damp basement.
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Electric appliances: Energy savings of 5-10%
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Measure your refrigerator’s energy use and upgrade to an EnergyStar model as needed.
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Replace gas cooking equipment with induction or electric for health and safety.
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Photo by Becky Bartovics
The Month Ahead
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Here are some of the meetings and events we have coming up. We hope to see you soon!
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Mondays, biweekly, at 4pm: Volunteer Support Team Meetings
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Help recruit and orient new volunteers and ensure overall volunteer satisfaction.
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Tuesdays, biweekly, at 3pm: Advancement Team Meetings
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Help us raise the crucial funds necessary for us to do our work.
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October 3, 10 and 17: Maine Youth for Climate Justice Fall Speaker Series (adults welcome as well)
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This fall Maine Youth for Climate Justice, Maine Youth Power, Maine Youth Action, and Pine Tree Power will be hosting a 3-part speaker series exploring the impacts of this bill. We will examine how Maine’s electric grid works (and doesn’t work), what a consumer-owner utility would mean for climate justice, and how we can take action. We would love nothing more than for you to join us!
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Thursdays, biweekly, at 4pm: Events Team Meetings
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Help us organize events to educate and engage Mainers across the state.
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Tuesdays, weekly, at 12pm: Energy Democracy Team Meeting
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Join us to get connected to the Chapter’s efforts to support Question 3 and a Consumer Owned Utility in Maine! Email ania.wright@sierraclub.org for more details.
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October 11 at 12pm: Visioning a Resilient Future: 30x30 Webinar
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Join us for a webinar to discuss the status of Maine’s farmland protection and access efforts, and what must come next as we move towards visioning a resilient future for Maine communities. Matt Cannon of Maine’s Sierra Club will facilitate a vibrant conversation on this important topic.
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Mondays, weekly, at 4:30pm: Legislative Team Meetings
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Join us to discuss the upcoming legislative session!
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October 17 at 12pm: Clean Energy Team Meeting
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Join our team and ensure a clean and just energy future for Maine, specifically focused on renewable energy development!
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October 19: GrowSmart Maine's Annual Summit
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The recent public health crisis and our growing divisiveness have made it harder to support and maintain connections. But it is possible to create buildings, communities, and transportation systems that make connections easier. These changes will also have clear benefits related to climate action and farmland protection. You're invited to come share strategies and inspire actions that support human connection.
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October 28, 11am-3pm: Gear Again Festival
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Maine GearShare is hosting this fall festival focused on the outdoor gear and apparel lifecycle. The goal is to show the many opportunities for repair, upcycling, and recycling outdoor gear and apparel with a focus on zero-waste and landfill diversion. Bring your loved gear to be repaired, recycled, consigned, or donated! Plus, learn more about the process and shop from vendors who embody sustainability.
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Volunteer With Sierra Club Maine
Interested in helping to protect Maine’s environment? No matter your background, we have a role for you! We invite you to fill out our volunteer interest form—no experience necessary.
We are always looks for photos from across the state to feature in our marketing materials. Professionals and amateurs alike are encouraged to submit images of Maine landscapes, nature, and wildlife. Please submit your photo here.
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